Key Takeaways
• Demetric Scott admitted framing immigrant Ramon Morales-Reyes with threatening letters against President Trump in May-June 2025.
• Morales-Reyes was falsely arrested by ICE but cleared when Scott’s calls revealed the deception during investigation.
• Scott faces charges including identity theft and witness intimidation; Morales-Reyes has a pending U-visa application.
A Milwaukee man’s attempt to manipulate the criminal justice system by framing an immigrant with threats against President Trump has exposed deep flaws in how immigration enforcement and witness protection can intersect. The case centers on Demetric Scott, a 52-year-old inmate, who admitted to sending threatening letters to local and federal officials in Milwaukee. He posed as an undocumented immigrant, hoping to derail a criminal trial where the immigrant was set to testify against him. This incident, which unfolded in May and June 2025, has sparked national debate about due process, anti-immigrant sentiment, and the risks faced by immigrants who cooperate with law enforcement.
The Plot: How Demetric Scott Tried to Frame an Immigrant
On May 21, 2025, several handwritten letters arrived at the offices of Milwaukee officials, including the Wisconsin Attorney General, the Milwaukee Police Chief, and the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. The letters contained direct threats to assassinate President Trump and harm ICE agents. The language was blunt and violent, with one letter to ICE stating: “I will self deport myself back to Mexico but not before I use my 30 yard 6 to shoot your precious president in [his] head.”
What made these letters especially alarming was that they appeared to come from Ramon Morales-Reyes, a 54-year-old undocumented immigrant living in Milwaukee. His name and return address were written in blue ink on each envelope. The letters were designed to make Morales-Reyes look like a dangerous criminal and a threat to national security.
The plan worked—at least at first. On May 22, 2025, ICE agents arrested Morales-Reyes based on the threatening letters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Kristi Noem, quickly issued a statement praising ICE for arresting “this illegal alien who threatened to assassinate President Trump.” The statement included a photo of one of the handwritten letters, further cementing the impression that Morales-Reyes was responsible.
Unraveling the Truth: Investigation and Discovery
The case began to fall apart when Morales-Reyes’ attorneys pointed out a crucial fact: their client could not speak or write in English. This detail made it impossible for him to have written the threatening letters. Investigators brought in a translator to interview Morales-Reyes, who then identified Demetric Scott as someone who might want to get him in trouble. Morales-Reyes explained that Scott had robbed him in the past.
Detectives soon learned that Scott was already in custody at the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility, awaiting trial for armed robbery and battery charges from 2023. Because all jail phone calls are recorded, investigators reviewed Scott’s calls and found clear evidence of his plan:
- Scott asked others to help send out an envelope.
- He requested the addresses of the Department of Justice and the Attorney General.
- He said, “This dude is a [expletive] illegal immigrant and they just need to pick his ass up.”
- He explained, “And the judge will agree cause if he gets picked up by ICE, there won’t be a Jury Trial so they will probably dismiss it that day.”
On May 30, 2025, a Milwaukee detective interviewed Scott. According to the criminal complaint, Scott admitted, “I wrote everything on the letters and envelopes myself.” He explained that he thought this was “the simplest way” to get Morales-Reyes “off his back.”
Legal Fallout: Charges and Consequences
Demetric Scott now faces several new charges, including:
- Identity theft
- Intimidating a witness
- Two counts of bail jumping
These are in addition to his original charges for armed robbery and aggravated battery. Scott remains in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail, awaiting his criminal trial scheduled for July 15, 2025, with a final pretrial hearing on June 16, 2025.
Ramon Morales-Reyes, meanwhile, remains in ICE custody at the Dodge County Jail. He has lived in Milwaukee for years and has a pending U-visa application. The U-visa is a special immigration status for undocumented immigrants who are victims of crimes and who help law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions. The goal of the U-visa is to encourage immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation. You can learn more about the U-visa and its requirements on the official USCIS U-visa page.
Official Responses: Government and Community Reactions
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying, “The investigation into the threat is ongoing. Over the course of the investigation, this individual was determined to be in the country illegally and that he had a criminal record.” DHS also claimed that Morales-Reyes had entered the United States 🇺🇸 illegally nine times between the late 1990s and early 2000s, though his lawyers say this has not been confirmed.
The Milwaukee Common Council, which represents the city’s elected officials, issued a statement on May 30, 2025, criticizing the handling of the case. The statement said, “The Department of Homeland Security’s top priority should be protecting the people of this country. In this instance, they did the exact opposite.” The council argued that the quick arrest and public statements by DHS fueled anti-immigrant sentiment in Milwaukee.
Voces de la Frontera, a local immigrant rights group, held a press conference demanding that DHS issue a correction to clear Morales-Reyes’ name. The group’s executive director, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, said, “This is necessary to clear his name, investigate and hold accountable the person who wrote the letter and to protect the family from any threats of violence.”
The U-Visa: A Lifeline for Immigrant Victims
Morales-Reyes’ situation highlights the importance and challenges of the U-visa process. U-visas are meant to protect undocumented immigrants who are victims of serious crimes, such as robbery or assault, and who help police or prosecutors. The visa offers a path to legal status and work authorization, but the process can be slow and complicated.
Morales-Reyes’ attorney, Kime Abdule, explained that the false accusations and arrest have made the U-visa process much harder for his client. “He’s the victim of a crime and reported it to the authorities and has cooperated with authorities and the ongoing prosecution in that case and is continuing to be a witness in that case and so this turn of events has been quite problematic in the due process for him in this U-visa matter,” Abdule said.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, cases like this show how easily immigrants who cooperate with law enforcement can become targets for retaliation or manipulation. The U-visa is supposed to protect people like Morales-Reyes, but the system can break down when false accusations or bureaucratic mistakes occur.
The Role of ICE and DHS: Fast Action, Slow Correction
When the threatening letters arrived, ICE and DHS acted quickly. Morales-Reyes was arrested within a day, and DHS leaders made public statements linking him to threats against President Trump. However, when it became clear that Morales-Reyes was innocent, the agencies were much slower to correct the record.
This pattern raises concerns about how immigration enforcement agencies handle sensitive cases, especially when public safety and political figures are involved. Quick action is important when there are real threats, but mistakes can have serious consequences for innocent people.
The Milwaukee Common Council and immigrant rights groups argue that DHS should have done more to verify the facts before making public statements. They also say that DHS should now work to clear Morales-Reyes’ name and protect him and his family from harm.
The Impact on Immigrants and the Community
This case has had a chilling effect on Milwaukee’s immigrant community. Many immigrants already fear contact with law enforcement, even when they are victims of crime. The arrest of Morales-Reyes, based on false evidence, sends a message that cooperating with police can be risky.
Community leaders worry that other immigrants will be less likely to report crimes or serve as witnesses in the future. This could make it harder for police to solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.
The case also highlights the dangers of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. When government officials make public statements blaming immigrants for serious crimes without full evidence, it can increase fear and prejudice in the community.
Legal and Policy Questions Raised
The Demetric Scott case raises several important questions for the legal and immigration systems:
- How can authorities better protect immigrant witnesses from retaliation or false accusations?
- What safeguards are in place to prevent wrongful arrests based on forged or misleading evidence?
- How can immigration enforcement agencies ensure that their public statements are accurate and do not fuel anti-immigrant sentiment?
- What steps can be taken to speed up the U-visa process for immigrant crime victims who are at risk?
These questions are not unique to Milwaukee. Across the United States 🇺🇸, immigrants who help police or testify in court often face threats, intimidation, or even deportation. The U-visa program is supposed to help, but delays and mistakes can put people in danger.
Next Steps: What Happens Now?
For Demetric Scott:
Scott will face trial for his original armed robbery and battery charges, as well as the new charges related to the Trump Threat Letters. If convicted, he could face a long prison sentence.
For Ramon Morales-Reyes:
Morales-Reyes remains in ICE custody while his U-visa application is reviewed. His lawyers are fighting to stop his deportation and clear his name. They hope that the exposure of Scott’s scheme will help Morales-Reyes stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and continue to cooperate with law enforcement.
For the Community:
Immigrant rights groups are pushing for policy changes to protect witnesses and prevent similar incidents. They are also calling for DHS and ICE to issue corrections and take responsibility for their actions.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Advocates
If you are an immigrant who is a victim of a crime or a witness in a criminal case, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer before answering questions from police or immigration officials.
- Ask for a translator: If you do not speak English, ask for an interpreter to make sure you understand what is happening.
- Document everything: Keep records of any threats, harassment, or attempts to intimidate you.
- Seek legal help: Contact an immigration lawyer or a local immigrant rights organization for advice. Many groups offer free or low-cost help.
- Learn about the U-visa: If you are a victim of a serious crime and have helped law enforcement, you may be eligible for a U-visa. Visit the USCIS U-visa page for more information.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Milwaukee Case
The story of Demetric Scott, the Trump Threat Letters, and the attempt to frame an immigrant in Milwaukee is a warning about the dangers of rushing to judgment and the need for strong protections for immigrant witnesses. It shows how quickly false information can lead to wrongful arrests and public fear, and how hard it can be to undo the damage.
For immigrants, advocates, and officials, the case is a reminder that justice and due process must come first. Protecting the rights of all people—regardless of immigration status—is essential for a fair and safe society. As this case moves forward, the eyes of Milwaukee and the nation will be watching to see what lessons are learned and what changes are made to prevent similar injustices in the future.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented immigrants.
U-visa → A special visa offering legal status to undocumented immigrants who are crime victims assisting law enforcement.
Identity theft → Using another person’s identity falsely to commit fraud or criminal acts, such as writing threatening letters.
Witness intimidation → Threatening or coercing a witness to prevent them from testifying truthfully in legal proceedings.
Due process → The legal requirement that ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system for all individuals.
This Article in a Nutshell
In Milwaukee, Demetric Scott forged threatening letters blaming immigrant Ramon Morales-Reyes to sabotage a trial. Scott’s plot exposed flaws in immigration enforcement and witness protection. Morales-Reyes’ arrest triggered widespread criticism. Scott now faces new charges, highlighting challenges immigrants face when cooperating with law enforcement protected under U-visa provisions.
— By VisaVerge.com
